The end construction cost of Te Whare Whakatere, Ashburton library and civic centre has been finalised at $62.1 million.

Mayor Neil Brown said the final tally includes costs of construction, specialist advice and project management, and was reduced by building delay penalties in the construction contract.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with builders Naylor Love and other partners we’ve worked with,” he said.

“It was a difficult time to build during and post-covid and we said last year we expected an overrun of about 10 per cent over the budgeted $56.7m, and it’s come in at 9.5 per cent over.

“We’re disappointed it has cost more than the original budget, but grateful for the $20m shovel ready project grant from the Government which offsets the ratepayer contribution.”

The balance of the cost will be met by property sales and debt.

Last Friday, the building was officially opened by Mayor Neil Brown and James Meager MP for Rangitata.

“In the nine months we’ve been here, Te Whare Whakatere has proved to be a hard-working building,” the Mayor said.

“It has exceeded our expectations and through it we’re able to deliver improved services for our community.

“It will be a building that serves for decades.”